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ESPN.com projected the fifth-year veteran to rack up 100 catches for 1,327 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014. However, there are quite a few observers who see the Cowboys struggling on both sides of the ball this season, which could make for a long year for Bryant's fantasy football faithful.
Indeed, the star wideout finished with just six receptions for 55 yards in Week 1. However, he should still see a steady flow of targets throughout the season. That, along with his excellent athleticism, competitiveness and ability to produce in tough situations, should keep him on track for another stellar fantasy football season.
The Week 1 letdown was clearly a byproduct of Romo's struggles. The San Diego native threw three interceptions and just one touchdown against the 49ers.
ESPN Stats & Info pointed out just how truly bad his start was:
ESPNDallas.com's Tim McMahon noted fans weren't quite hopeful about the 2014 season to begin with:
Bryant appeared relatively undeterred and was quick to let the world know that—much like Terrell Owens before him—he supported Romo.
"In anything, I've got his back. If he did something wrong, I would say it to him. There's nothing that me and him, not only me and him but any of these guys, can't figure out what the issue might be. But like I said, it's my guy, man," he said, via Fox Sports Southwest's Jon Machota.
An open line of communication between Bryant and his signal-caller will be key to the pair maintaining trust even if the season crumbles around them.
The veteran quarterback didn't have much time to work with his team in the preseason while recovering from back surgery, but there is hope that he can get back to a comfortable playing speed quite soon.
According to ESPN.com's Todd Archer, Romo stated there were no back issues after the game against the 49ers.
Bryant has also been a remarkably consistent performer since he established himself as a star in 2011. He's posted two straight 1,000-yard seasons and posted no fewer than nine touchdowns in a season over that three-year stretch. His average targets per game have increased with each passing season, topping out at 9.9 per game in 2013, per USA Today Fantasy Sports.
This offense can't function without Bryant, and it is likely Romo and head coach Jason Garrett will turn to him in both good times and bad.
It should also be noted that Bryant has more than winning to motivate him this year. He's in the final year of his rookie contract with the Cowboys and has yet to sign a long-term deal.
Whether he stays in the Lone Star State or moves on to another team in the future, Bryant will be looking to secure a lucrative financial package from the next NFL team that is willing to watch him put pen to paper with their insignia at the top.
There is plenty of optimism, but Bryant still might have to wait another week to return to peak form. The Tennessee Titans are on the Cowboys' slate for Week 2, and they did a fine job of bottling up Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. The Titans ranked 11th against the pass in 2013, although they did lose Pro Bowl cornerback Alterraun Verner to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency this offseason.
Patience is a difficult virtue to come by in fantasy football owners, but it would be a wise practice for those looking for Bryant to put up big points in 2014.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
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